Solid Waste & Recycling

Preventing waste from entering our landfills through recycling and, more importantly, through waste reduction, must be the primary objective when looking at improving Wheat Ridge’s current waste disposal practices. Waste reduction and recycling goals are often attainable at a relatively low-cost and offer opportunities for quick returns and possibly even revenue generation.

The Sustainable Wheat Ridge (SWR) Committee developed the solid waste and recycling plan which outlines recommendations for the City to take action on improving current waste management in Wheat Ridge. The City has an opportunity to update current conditions and leverage this to reduce wastefulness.

The following are the action plan goals set-up by the SWR for solid waste and recycling focus area:

Reduce negative impacts of waste hauling on city infrastructure and local environment.

For more information on the solid waste and recycling focus area please see the SWR Action Plan. Solid waste and recycling content starts on page 41.

Upcoming Projects

Some of SWR’s upcoming solid waste and recycling projects include:

Residential composting - Reduce your waste volumes considerably by learning how to compost at home for use in your yard or garden or by finding other entities that can use household organic waste, such as a commercial compost hauler.

Ways You Can Help Wheat Ridge Meet the Solid Waste and Recycling Goals

Did you know that there are 5 Rs to managing waste:

REFUSE - Don’t buy or accept products that are harmful to the environment, or that you don’t need.

REDUCE - Use less.

REUSE - Use something you already have instead of buying new. Examples include refillable water bottles, reusable coffee mugs, and reusable grocery bags.

REPURPOSE - Use something for other than its original purpose. Get crafty! Examples include using GOOS (Good On One Side) paper from home or office that only has print on one side for scrap paper, or think of all the incredible ways you’ve seen people utilize pallets.

RECYCLE - Then, after you’ve done ALL the other Rs, consider how to recycle nearly everything you use: paper, plastic, metal, glass, electronics, clothing, and even food waste can be recycled through composting to some degree.